Classic Egypt
Classic Egypt
Classic Egypt
12 Days Starting and ending in 30.009495,31.261597
Visiting: Egypt
Tour operator:
Tour code:
424
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
5-85
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
A luxury Classic Egyptian tour, offering a higher standard of accommodation and transport to ensure your comfort at all times. We start in Cairo where you can explore the Great Pyramids of Giza including the Step Pyramid and the iconic Sphinx. A short flight takes you to Luxor the next morning where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting Karnak, Medinat Habu, Queen Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your luxury river boat cruise takes you all the way to Aswan, via the temples of Edfu and Komomo, where we will explore the romantic temples of Philae and the impressive Aswan High Dam, you'll then sail back to Luxor, making a stop along the way to visit Esna Temple. Flying back to Cairo, we then tour the world famous Egyptian Museum, accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, before you are free to explore the bustling markets and souks of this incredible city.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Into Cairo. Transfer To Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cairo – 5 star hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel close to the Pyramids for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow’s arrangements.
Extra night - pre-tour, Single Room Supplement - Egypt
Day 2: Cairo. Pyramids & Saqqara Tour
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour of Egypt starts with a visit to the Giza Plateau, home of Egypt's world famous Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. We visit the great Pyramids of Giza and their guardian Sphinx, Memphis-first capital of the ancient kingdom to see the statue of Ramses II, then to Sakkara to see the Step pyramid.
Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo (deluxe)
Day 3: Luxor. West Bank Tour. Luxor Temple
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This moring we transfer to Cairo airport of an early flight to Luxor. We begin our tour of the West bank of the Nile starting at the Colossi of Memnon we then get to explore the dusty Pharaonic tombs located at the world famous Valley of the Kings. We also visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut and see the colourful hieroglyphics at Medinat Habu temple before crossing back into Luxor. Your afternoon is free to relax on board your 5-star Nile cruise boat or to explore Luxor's markets. In the evening we take a walking tour of the beautiful Luxor Temple which is spectacularly lit up at night.
Day 4: Luxor. Karnak Temple. Sail To Edfu
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Day 5: Edfu. Cruise To Kom Ombo & Aswan
Accommodation Name: On board - 5 star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we visit the nearby Edfu Temple which is dedicated to the god Horus. We then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, watching traditional rural Egyptian life pass us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to enjoy a relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Omombo we tour the temple which sits scenicly by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles amongst other things! The cruise then continues onwards to Aswan.
Day 6: Aswan. Philae Temple: Aswan Dam
Accommodation Name: Aswan - 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our tour of Aswan with a trip to the island temple complex of Philae visiting the impressive Aswan High Dam en-route. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. The rest of the day is free to explore the colourful souks and markets found in the town or watch the sunset over the River Nile.
Abu Simbel overland
Day 7: Abu Simbel Option. Cruise To Edfu
Accommodation Name: Edfu- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we have the option of taking an early start for the drive to the UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those not visiting Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets this morning, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river or visit the Nubian Museum which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region.
Later the cruise begin sailing back towards Luxor and the night will be spent onboard close to Edfu.
Abu Simbel overland
Day 8: Cruise To Esna. Khnum Temple. Cruise To Luxor.
Accommodation Name: Luxor- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
Day 9: Free Day In Luxor (Optional Tours Available)
Accommodation Name: Luxor- 5-star cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After leaving Edfu this morning, we'll continue our journey back to Luxor, making a stop on the way to visit the lesser known Esna Temple, dedicated to the God Khnum. In Ancient Egypt, Khnum was known as the ram-headed god of creation. The temple was first founded during the reign of Tuthmosis the 3rd, in the 18th Dynasty, however throughout history, additions were made by the Ptolomies and Romans, who recorded their names on the temple walls.
After breaking the journey in Esna, the cruise boat will continue to Luxor where you'll spend the night onboard.
Day 10: Fly To Cairo: Free Afternoon
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we transfer to Luxor airport for a flight back to Cairo. This afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure, or to take an optional half day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.
Day 11: Egyptian Museum And Backstreets Of Old Cairo
Accommodation Name: Cairo hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our tour of Cairo with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Accompanied by your certified Egyptologist, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt's unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.
Day 12: Cairo. Departure Transfer To The Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Extra night - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
A luxury Classic Egyptian tour, offering a higher standard of accommodation and transport to ensure your comfort at all times. We start in Cairo where you can explore the Great Pyramids of Giza including the Step Pyramid and the iconic Sphinx. A short flight takes you to Luxor the next morning where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting Karnak, Medinat Habu, Queen Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your luxury river boat cruise takes you all the way to Aswan, via the temples of Edfu and Komomo, where we will explore the romantic temples of Philae and the impressive Aswan High Dam, you'll then sail back to Luxor, making a stop along the way to visit Esna Temple. Flying back to Cairo, we then tour the world famous Egyptian Museum, accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, before you are free to explore the bustling markets and souks of this incredible city.
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus, internal flight & Nile cruiseboat
Accommodation
5-star hotels & 5-star Nile cruiseboat
Check out our Q&As
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What should I know before traveling?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Our Small Group tours do not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. We do however normally include these in prices for Tailor-Made and Escorted tours. Please check the Inclusions and Exclusions section below the tour itinerary for a details about your tour and the amount you may need to budget. This amount is subject to change and will be reconfirmed in Egypt at the start of your tour. A 50% discount for minors or ISIC card holders is often, but not always available.
Your guide will be happy to collect payment for all the entrance fees at the start of the tour, and pay them for you as you go along if you wish. This payment is normally collected in US Dollars cash together with payment for any Tipping Kitty used on the tour, though you may also pay with Egyptian Pounds or other currencies, converted to USD. Local exchange rates are set on a monthly basis and based on local bank rates so may not match the exact rates you may find online on the day. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.
In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.
All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.
For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
In Egypt we provide fully trained, local English-speaking graduate Egyptologist guides to run your tour and escort you during all of the sightseeing in Cairo and the Nile Valley. We also have permanent local reps in all the main towns/cities and Red Sea resorts who are also at your service, and will be handling all the practical arrangements for the tour. We use local Bedouin guides for tours through the desert.
On some departures we may use one guide in Cairo, and a second guide if you are travelling between Aswan and Luxor.
At Encounters Travel we only use local Egyptian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing. Please check our website for more details and profiles of some of our most famous Egyptian guides. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A
Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.
More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon
Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Our Egypt tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Cairo airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. Our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Cairo airport before you get to passport control. They will assist with visa formalities before helping you collect your luggage and taking you to your hotel.
Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.